Pausing

byJen DeCurtinsonFebruary 19, 2013

It seems I’m having to really work for this vacation as this week is off the charts busy. Recently, I’ve tried to drop the whole, “oh my god I’m so busy” thing. I say yes to (most of) the things that make me (off the charts) busy. Honestly though who isn’t “busy?” The things that make us busy look different for everyone but we are all busy in our own way.

So I’m trying to change my approach to busy. Instead of auto-robot responding to “how’s work going” or “how’s life” with “ugh, same, so crazy busy,” I’m looking for more meaningful responses. It’s kinda along the same vein of someone asking, “how are you?” and you responding with, “good.” How much does it change the exchange of pleasantries when you break the mold and say something like, “you know, I’m having a really awesome day” or being honest and saying, “to be truthful, I’m having a down day but I’m hoping that seeing my kids/taking a yoga class/my run later will cheer me up.”

This afternoon I reached a breaking point of sorts. So instead of freaking out, I allowed myself five minutes to close my eyes and breathe. I set the timer on my phone, sat on my couch, closed my eyes and got my shit together. It was extremely effective and I recommend a five-minute mental breath break to anyone. You deserve it.

How do you deal with “too busy.” What little things center or ground you when you feel a little out of control?

Jen, that is such a great idea!! Most of the time my business comes out as frustration or sadness, when I really just need to take a break adn breathe!!!! I will SO try that 🙂 Luckily, it is Wed….so vacation for you is almost here!

I love this idea of taking a 5 minute time out! Lately, I’ve been practicing deep breathing and repeating positive mantras when I feel the craziness wash over me. Great post, Jen! Thanks for always keeping it real. 🙂

I totally agree with you on the glorification of busy. If you find some time, you might want to check out Johnathan Field’s Goodlife Project videos on youtube. Specifically, this one discusses how “busy” has replaced/become synonymous with”fine” as a common response to the question “How are you?”.

Exactly what I needed to read today, thank you for always being so open, honest, and genuine! The quote is just perfect! Have a great day and have so much fun on your well deserved vacation in a few days!!!!!!!

True – we are all busy in our own ways. We decide what we do and how we spend our time which is way it kinda irritates me when people complain about being soooo busy. Saying that you are busy is fine but you don’t need to complain about it because you can choose not to be.

I always respond “good” or “fine” to the “How are you” question which is pretty vag and sometimes not even true. I once did reply with “I could be better” and the guy just stared at me and didn’t know what to say – which kinda made me feel better 🙂

I really enjoyed this post and not just because you said “shit” (though I did really like the phrase ‘get my shit together.’) We all get overwhelmed and sometimes it all seems so big. I love the idea of taking 5 minutes to gather oneself and hit life back. I used to do this a lot when my son was a newborn. I’d sit on the porch until my skin felt boiling (it was July) and would go back inside renewed. It’s amazing what taking a step back will do.

If I feel overwhelmed or too busy I try to disconnect from the computer or take Kala for a walk to get some fresh air, and if I have the time a quick power nap. These things help me re-charge and remember what is important. The fresh air is usually my favorite!

This is EXACTLY what I needed to hear this week! With midterms, physical therapy appointments, a fundraiser that I’m running this weekend, and starting a new job next week, my to-do list is more like a to-do novel. As you said, whenever someone asks how I am, I either go straight to “SO BUSY” or just plaster on a smile and act like everything’s okay. From now on, I, too, will try to give more meaningful responses, in addition to remembering that although I didn’t directly chose the timing of everything that’s going on in my life right now, I did choose to come to college, to apply for a job, and to be highly active in extracurriculars–and I should be more grateful for these wonderful opportunities. 🙂

I'm Jen and I'm a personal trainer, yoga teacher and the author of Ultimate Plank Fitness and The Complete Guide to Yoga Inversions. I live in Charlotte, NC and share daily updates about food, fitness, yoga and life with two golden retrievers! You can reach me at jen@peanutbutterrunner.com.